The pace of life is leisurely in the Sporades Islands, scattered off the eastern coast of mainland Greece. The archipelago is ideal for unhurried yachting and a flexible itinerary that allows for the unexpected; an invitation to a home, an unexpected village celebration, a detour to an ancient ruin. In the villages, women patiently sweep the streets spotless, men drink little white cups of black coffee and argue over backgammon, and people link arms to promenade along the waterfront. Imagine relaxing on deck, sipping a soothing beverage as you glide past aromatic pine mountains and quaint whitewashed towns, radiant in the Aegean sun. Drop anchor and swim ashore to an uninhabited beach in Piperi. Dive the ruins of the Neolithic city of Eikos. Photograph the castles, monasteries and architecture of Skiathos. Join the circle of dancers and kick it up a notch at the local taverna in Glossa. The Sporades are an easy cruise from the Athenian metropolis, yet this enchanting destination seems worlds away. Evia “My first port of call is always Evia parallels mainland Greece for nearly 100 miles, and the channel between provides a flat water, scenic passage north. The Karystos. The town is in the forested mountain range that runs its length cascades down from 5,719 feet at the highest point in Dirfi, a landscape of steep middle of a beautiful horseshoe bay at the base of Mt. Ohi. The cliffs, golden beaches, farming villages and fishing ports. Accessibility by bridge makes this island a popular seaside escape for water is calm, shallow and well-heeled Athenians. The beautiful village of Kymi sits high above the port of Kymi, the only natural harbor on the craggy east especially warm, perfect for young children and water sports. coast, which is inhospitable when the meltemi wind blows. Houses and streets built by hand with local stone are especially striking. There are also shipwrecks and Eretria, Evia’s most historic location, offers the chance to promenade along the harbor lined with waterfront shops and restaurants. caves for diving or snorkeling A glass of local wine from ancient vineyards usually arrives with a complimentary meze (meh-ZEH), a small plate. For large plates, that are easy to reach by tender. ” the Variety of Seafood platter at Remezzo Taverna is superb. Farther north at Edipsos you can indulge in a luxurious soak in — Captain Antonio Katsonis ancient thermal springs with medicinal healing properties. Thermae Sylla Spa, Edipsos — www.thermaesyllaspa-hotel.com Remezzo Restaurant, Ancient Theater 44, Eretria, Greece, Tel: 222 906 144 Skathios “Lalaria is a white pebble beach Thick pine forests cap the mountain ridge that sharply descends past a scattering of medieval ruins and a profusion of 600,000 on the north coast that often has olive trees to reach a sea level of tranquil bays and 65 beaches of golden sand. Koukounaries and Aghia Paraskevi are Skiathos’ big waves that are fun to play in, but it’s best to have rubber shoes best beaches and great fun if you don’t mind seasonal crowds. For service and exclusivity, the Princess Resort on Platinias beach to protect your feet. I also like to has upscale facilities and a worthy menu of spa treatments. Opposite Skiathos’ southeastern tip on tiny Tsougria, the perfect spot take guests to swim, snorkel or dive through two amazing sea of white sand beach invites a picnic. The crew launches all the water toys, organizes beach games, and spreads an outstanding caves, Galazia and Skotini, all buffet complemented by a bottle or two of rich, dark red, Skiathian wine. Skiathos Town has almost reached the status of Mykonos the more remarkable for giving and Santorini as a party hub, and the nightlife on “Club Strip” has become legendary. Dock in Skiathos Marina near the Old Port. bathers eternal youth. ” Find live music for every age and taste from bouzouki to blues set in a posh décor of scattered cushions, canopied daybeds, — Captain Dimitris Christopoulos suspended chairs and hammocks with a view. Or opt for a snifter of Metaxa Grande Fine on deck. The razzle-dazzle of lights on the water and the exotic, comingled strains of music can be hypnotic. The Windmill Restaurant, Skiathos Town — www.skiathoswindmill.gr/index.htm Skiathos Princess Resort & Spa, Platanias Bay — www.skiathosprincess.com Skopelos “I recommend anchoring the yacht On Skopelos, pine woods, vineyards, and orchards of olive, plum, almond and walnut emit a heady fragrance and blanket the for the night in Panormos on the landscape in a patchwork of green. In antiquity this intoxicating island was named Peparethos, after the son of Dionysos (god west coast of the island. Take the tender to reach the beach and of wine) and Ariadne. An archeological treasure trove of artifacts from the Mycenaean tomb of prince Stafylos (meaning grape), lots of tavernas that promise a testify to an ancient wine tradition. The sparkling white houses of Skopelos town rise up the steep hillside to the ruins of an ancient fun, traditional Greek evening. From here you can get to know fortress. The yacht can dock off the promenade, in the center of shops, restaurants and galleries. Even with a different church at the entire coastline of Dasia islet, almost every corner, getting lost is easy in the confusion of backstreets that have not been christened with names. In the northwest including deserted shores to the highlands Glossa is the most authentically Greek town in the Sporades. Dock in Loutraki and hike the scenic two miles up. Nikolas, northeast and Trypiti cave. ” the owner of Agnanti Restaurant in Glossa, will arrange complimentary transportation for guests who prefer to ride. Make new — Captain Antonio Katsonis friends, savor traditional fare and enjoy amazing views. An afternoon cruise south to Panormos beach allows time for SeaBobs and water skis. The western exposure makes this bay a perfect place to celebrate the sunset. Raise a glass of the island’s famous aphrodisiac wine in salute to a grape with an ancient and distinguished pedigree. Agnanti Restaurant, Glossa — www.agnanti.com.gr Anatoli Ouzeri Nightclub, Old Kastro — www.anatolixintaris.gr Alónissos The northwest coast of the island “is rocky and many places can’t The jagged coastline of this remote island is dotted with beaches, some just large enough for a private yachting party. Tranquil be reached overland because of beaches along the eastern shore opposite Peristera Island offer calm refuge in case of strong Meltemi winds. The southern half the craggy terrain. This means that you can usually find an empty of the island is the pastoral landscape of farmers and fishermen, with winemaking traditions founded in mythology. The transparent pocket beach to anchor off. We water of the National Marine Park on the southeast coast is declared the cleanest in the Aegean. You will likely see dolphins, rare set up the beach games, lay out monk seals and seabirds from the deck. Divers need not go deep to see sponges, corals, and a variety of fish, amphorae shards, a picnic buffet, and let the guests enjoy the afternoon just being caves and shipwrecks. Patitíri is a crescent shaped harbor with colorful fishing boats, markets, restaurants and shops. From the together.” seaport adventure inland to the Hóra of Alónissos, the old capital, situated high above sea level. Experience this traditional, close-knit, — Captain Takis Seferis Greek village that dates back to antiquity, where everyone knows you’re a visitor and warmly beckons you into their world. For swimming, sunning and local cuisine Eleona’s on Leftos Gialos beach is a favorite. Drop anchor off Kokkinokastro Beach, about 6.5km from Patitíri. The submerged remains of Eikos is swimming distance from shore. Dive or snorkel through the remains of the ancient city walls and necropolis, eerily at rest beneath your bow. Eleonas Cafe, Leftos Gialos Beach — www.eleonas-alonissos.gr Hayiati Pastry Shop & Piano Bar — www.hayiati.com Kyra Panagia …Yioura …Psathoura …Peristera The area around Skopelos, Alonis- Luxuriate on the sundeck as you cruise through the astonishing Northern Sporades marine park. Scan the waters for playful sos and the Marine Park have the dolphins and the hillsides for wildlife. These secluded islands are the safe haven of vanishing species and the summer retreat second largest concentration of ancient and medieval shipwrecks of some of the world’s most prestigious yachts. The large island of Kyra Panagia has been abandoned to rare wild goats and a in the world. The most famous monk, described by Captain Antonio as “a very nice gentleman and a scholar”. On Aghios Petros Bay, Byzantine sailors moored sunken ships have been discov- ered off the coast of Peristera their vessels for safety, but one such ship that did not escape Poseidon’s wrath. Advanced divers can explore the unexcavated Island where the findings are wreck in the depths of the bay. The Monk seal, Ibex wild goats, rare birds live on Yioura. On Psathoura, island home of the Sirens stunning. in Homer’s Odyssey, you can visit the largest, brightest lighthouse in the Aegean, with a beam visible 18 miles out to sea. Experienced divers can explore the remains of an ancient city and volcano submerged off the southern coast. Peristera is an island covered in olive trees and ringed by sandy beaches. Other than some placid goats, you can count the resident population on one hand. The small island is a beach lovers paradise and excellent for windsurfing. The Alónissos Marine Park — www.alonissos-park.gr Skyros “The best kept secret in the vicinity The white-washed, flat-roofed Cycladic style houses of Skyros Town, draped over a high rocky bluff, dazzle in the Aegean sun.